Clinical Track - Prior Learning Option

Although not a requirement, clinical practicum courses (traineeships) are available for individual pursuit of specialized training in the areas of pediatric nutrition, weight management, and clinical research. These are available only in person and are awarded through the organization hosting each traineeship on a competitive basis, as described below. If you are interested in pursuing a clinical traineeship, please contact that traineeship directly.

Application Process

The MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track/ Prior Learning Option accepts applications for full or part-time enrollment during all terms (Fall, Spring, Summer).

The steps below outline the application process for the MS in Nutrition Sciences – Clinical Track/Prior Learning Option.

Online Application

Complete the online UAB Graduate School Application. The application fee is $50.

• Official transcripts
• Demographic information
• Personal statement
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Verification Statement from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• No GRE required

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended directly to the UAB graduate school – note that proof of Bachelor’s degree is required. Send electronic transcripts to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Personal Statement

Please address the following topics in your personal statement.

• Why did you choose to apply to our program?
• In what ways have your previous experiences prepared you for graduate study in our program?
• What do you believe your greatest challenge will be if you are accepted into this program?
• How will you be able to make a contribution to the field by earning this degree?

Verification Statement

Applicants must have a Verification Statement from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics demonstrating successful completion of a Dietetic Internship (DI) or Coordinated Program (CP). For more information about Verification Statements from the Academy, visit the Verification Statements FAQ.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission is available for students currently completing their Dietetic Internship (DI) or Coordinated Program (CP). However, the ACEND Verification Statement must be received before you can begin taking coursework toward this degree at UAB.

International Students

Due to the exclusively online delivery system of the Clinical Track/Prior Learning option, this program is not available to students who desire to pursue their studies while physically present in the US on an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Applicants who are physically present in the US in another immigration status that permits exclusively online study (such as H-4, L-2, TN, pending green card, etc.) are welcome to apply.

Please email your current immigration document (USCIS approval or receipt notice, plus most recent I-94 card) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an initial assessment and information about English proficiency requirements.

The program expects a cumulative TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 80, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5, PTEA (Pearson Test of English Academics) score of 53, Duolingo score of 120, or IELA (International English Language Assessment) score of 176.

All students in the MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track - Prior Learning Option complete online coursework through a planned program of study. This is a non-thesis program. You can complete the coursework full- or part-time. If enrolled full-time the program can be completed in 3 semesters. Your professors will use a variety of teaching styles to enhance your understanding of complex theories and topics by using diverse technologies and teaching methods, which include virtual discussions, recorded lectures, discussion boards, and team projects.

The schedule below reflects full-time enrollment, please note that part-time enrollment is welcomed. All courses outlined below are offered online only. Additional in-person elective offerings are available for local students.

Courses

Approved Electives

Traineeship Descriptions

Although not a requirement of the MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track – Prior Learning Option, Clinical practicum courses (traineeships) are available for individual pursuit of specialized training in the areas of pediatric nutrition, weight management, children with special health care needs, and clinical research. The clinical practicum courses and training are face-to-face. The traineeships are awarded on a competitive basis through the specific traineeship, as described below. If you are interested to learn more about a particular traineeship, then please contact the Contact for that traineeship directly.

General Pediatric and Adolescent Nutrition

The Pediatric/Adolescent Nutrition Traineeship is offered to individuals who are interested in working in the field of pediatric, adolescent nutrition, and/or Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nutrition. Applicants must be an RDN, RDN eligible (or soon will be eligible). Applicants must have completed or be working on a master’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or related fields. Areas of emphasis include general pediatric nutrition, in-patient treatment, eating disorders, trainee led nutrition clinic, complex interdisciplinary assessments, and community engagement. Up to four traineeships are available each year.

Length of Traineeship: Long term traineeships are 10- 12-month appointments and consist combined clinical training, didactic classes, and leadership projects for an average of 20 hours/week. The traineeship begins in mid-August and ends the following May, with an option to extend through June.

Stipend: Monthly stipend plus some tuition support. Additionally, travel assistance to a regional/national conference may be provided.

Contact: Aida Miles, EdD, RDN, FAND- 205-638-6856

Pediatric Pulmonary Center

The purpose of the Pediatric Pulmonary Center Traineeship is to develop leaders who will promote comprehensive, coordinated, family centered care to improve the health of children and youth with respiratory conditions including Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Asthma, Sleep Disorders, and Technology Dependence.

Length of Traineeship: Interprofessional long term traineeships are typically 12 month appointments and consist of at least 300 hours of combined (clinical training, didactic classes, and leadership projects). The traineeship begins in mid-August and ends the following July.

Stipend: Monthly stipend and travel assistance to a national conference is provided.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 205-638-7104

Have an immediate question about the MS in Nutrition Sciences Clinical track? You might find it in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section below.

The MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track – Prior Learning Option is an entirely online graduate degree program for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).

Applicants must have a Verification Statement from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics demonstrating successful completion of a Dietetic Internship (DI) or Coordinated Program (CP). For more information about Verification Statements from the Academy, visit the Verification Statements FAQ.